The French-speaking part of Switzerland is charming. Montreux is a well-known resort with a promenade that stretches for miles. I spent a few days in this city and was amazed by the views: mountains, a lake, plus a castle and amazing nature. In my opinion, Montreux is a great place to go, because practically within the city you have all this at your fingertips.
In this post I will tell you what is worth to do and see at this Swiss city. Also I will show you places to go for tasty dinner. Sightseeing in Montreux – time, start!
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Montreux – the Swiss Riviera
Swiss Riviera – this is where the picturesque Montreux is located. Nice architecture and nature, and in addition, its fabulous location – by the lake, surrounded by mountains, delights. You can say that there is everything you need. It is a great place for short trips – to the mountains, the lake or the vineyards. You can also visit local museums.
However, it is undeniable that Montreux is most famous for its music! Why?
First of all, it is known for one of the most famous jazz festivals in the world. In the summertime, the Festival de Jazz de Montreux has been held in this city since 1967.
Secondly, and very interestingly, in Montreux the group Queen recorded 7 albums! For this reason, on the promenade we can see a statue of Freddy Mercury, the singer of the Queen. Besides, in Montreux you can also visit the band’s museum – a former recording studio.
What else is worth knowing about Montreux? Here they speak French and French habits apply. But about this I write later on.
What To Do In Montreux?
There are plenty of places to visit, but above all, this is a town where you should relax. An extremely well-known attraction is the Chateau de Chillon – the most popular castle in Switzerland!
In Montreux you can visit the previously mentioned Queen-related attractions: the museum, walk along the promenade and take a photo with “Freddy”.
You should definitely take a boat trip on Lake Geneva (French: Lac Léman). In my opinion, lake tours in Switzerland are a super deal. I was able to go on a cruise on Lake Thun and on the mentioned Lake Geneva. There are bars on the ships and you can often order something to eat. From Montreux you can go to Lausanne.
Interesting fact: the tour is included in the Swiss Travel Pass – that is, you don’t have to pay extra for it (if you have the Swiss Travel Pass).
Chateau de Chillon
The most popular castle in Switzerland? Definitely Chateau de Chillon! Chateau de Chillon is located right next to Montreux and can be seen from the promenade. You can get to it in several ways:
– by walking along the promenade to the castle,
– taking a boat from Montreux (or other towns with a port),
– taking the bus/rail to the castle.
Located on the edge of Lake Geneva, this castle is simply fabulous. However, let me start with some practical information. Admission to the castle can be booked in advance. In this way, I managed to avoid quite a long line. Besides, entry is free with a Swiss Travel Pass. As of today, a normal ticket costs CHF 13.50.
And if you’re not a fan of visiting castles, it’s worth seeing at least from the outside, especially from the harbor side. From this side, the view is spectacular! The place is amazing. On the other hand, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth paying: inside you can visit the cellars (which once served as a warehouse or prison), see the chambers or the beautiful courtyard.
Rochers de Naye – a Trip to the Swiss Alps!
To be in Switzerland and not go to the mountains? You can’t do this! In this country there are so many mountains and trails that it’s hard to decide which one to choose. In Montreux the decision is simple. Which one? The easiest way is to go to the Rochers de Naye. It takes an hour by train (not by ski lift!) to get to this mountain. It’s a trip also for those who prefer to admire rather than get tired (like me, for example). A suggestion for the more active people – you can climb to the top ?.
What is this mountain? Rochers de Naye is a 2042-meter-high peak located in the Freiburg Pre-Alps, a part of the Western Alps. I don’t know if there is a better observation point in the area, and to be honest, I highly doubt it. From Rochers de Naye you can see Lake Geneva in its full glory. In addition, you can see the mountain peaks above Montreux, walk around, take a look at the Alpine Garden and to top it off… see marmots!
Yes, I know, maybe marmots in Switzerland are no surprise. But are there many places where you will see marmots up close and true? This is where their breeding farm is located, so you can see their habits, lifestyle or hear them “wheeze” when threatened. Watching them eat a meal (grasses, flowers) is also something amazing.
There is a pub at the top, you can have a beer with a view.
With a Swiss Travel Pass – a 50% discount on entry.
What to Do in Montreux? Take a Ride on a Train from the Old Days!
There’s no denying it, the amazing attraction of Switzerland are the trains. Punctual as clockwork, of course Swiss one. There are many wonderful routes and it’s hard to decide on only one.
I chose the Belle Epoque train, which runs twice a day in the summer. In fact, I took it to Montreux from Zweisimme. It’s a train styled like in the old days – an amazing experience! There is also a panoramic train on the same route, so as you can guess the views are unmatchable.
I’ll just tell you that this is not the only such opportunity to take an interesting train trip, because in Montreux you can take a trip on the Chocolate Train! And often a Belle Epoque train (sometimes panoramic) is substituted on this route. I was also on this tour and I fully recommend that.
Going on the Chocolate Train tour, it’s good to know that it takes all day – departure from Montreux is in the morning, at 9:50, and return is in the afternoon, practically in the evening. The sightseeing includes:
Gruyères, the famous cheese factory,
The charming village of Gruyères, famous for its cheese,
Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory (it’s worth bringing water with you, as there is a tasting at the end!).
Where to Eat in Montreux?
If you want to eat in Montreux, I can recommend the following restaurants:
Les Voiles de La Rouvenaz – I would recommend it for a drink and a pizza. Tasty and good prices as for Switzerland, 25 Swiss francs for dinner and Aperol. A view of the lake for free!
Restaurant Le Museum – I would recommend for wine and Swiss cuisine. This is a more expensive place – I paid around 40 francs for dinner with wine. A place with a romantic atmosphere, without hustle and bustle, perfect for a date.
I had breakfast at the hotel (more about that below). It is worth to know that lunch in this part of Switzerland is eaten in French style. What does this mean? You eat it from 12:00 – 14:30 (more or less), after this hour it is hard to find an open restaurant. The above-mentioned Les Voiles de La Rouvenaz was open with a limited menu (pizza). I also went to eat at McDonalds, but there the standard is the same all over the world.
Other than that, in the city I recommend chocolate ice cream with Swiss chocolate at Movenpic network ?.
Where to Stay in Montreux (Hotels)?
There is no secret that there are quite a lot of hotels in Montreux. However, during the summer season the occupancy rate is very high, which makes the prices higher. For this reason, I opted for Hotel Tralalala – I paid 138 francs per night (including breakfast, which cost 15 francs/night). Comfortable, clean and quiet, and the breakfasts were tasty – not somehow particularly varied, but for a few days it was OK.
This hotel in Montreux is located 15 minutes from the lake, but from my side a small remark! It is definitely better to take a cab, car or bus 206 with your luggage, because dragging suitcases up a steep hill can tire you out. For that the way down is a pleasure. ?
You can find the hotel at this link.
Booking.com
What to Visit in Switzerland?
There are many beautiful places in Switzerland, so it’s hard to decide what to see first. See what Switzerland looked like through my lens:
See also:
Appenzell: Journey through Alpine Splendor and Swiss Tradition
Switzerland in a Week – What to Discover by Train?
Gruyères, Switzerland: Explore the Cheese Capital in the Heart of the Alps
Hidden Gems of Switzerland: Must-Visit Lesser-Known Attractions
